Adjustable Gastric Banding

Gastric banding was approved by the FDA in June 2001 for use in the United States. The LAP-BAND®, a gastric banding system, has been used in Europe, Central America and Australia since 1990 and to date, more than 100,000 procedures have been performed worldwide. It is generally performed as an outpatient setting and most patients are discharged the same day after surgery. It has been shown to be very safe and effective in medical studies and it is extremely useful for people who either do not wish to permanently alter their gastrointestinal tract, or who are higher risk patients (many other medical problems or older age groups). It does tend to have slower weight loss and overall less weight loss when compared to other procedures.

The band, a silastic (medical grade plastic) balloon that looks like a belt, is wrapped around the top of the stomach and secured in place. The balloon on the inside of the band is inflated with saline solution and works to cinch the belt-like band on the stomach. This means the band can be adjusted; it can be tightened if you need to lose more weight. This creates an individualized weight loss program customized to the particular person. The LAP-BAND® is a purely restrictive procedure. There is no effect on absorption of foods, nutrients, and vitamins.

The band works in three ways:

It limits the amount of food that is consumed.

It delays the emptying of the new stomach pouch.

It creates the sensation of fullness for a long period of time after eating.

LAP-BAND® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.

About the Bariatric Surgery Program - CPMC, San Francisco

The Bariatric Surgery Program is based in San Francisco, California and treats obese patients in San Francisco, Marin County, Oakland, and throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our top bariatric surgeons provide specialized surgical services, including LAP-BAND® (LAGB), Vertical Gastrectomy (VG), Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY, RGB) and Vertical Gastrectomy with Doudenal Switch (DS). We consider our surgical team to be among the best surgeons, physicians, nurses, and doctors, working together to provide personalized treatment plans for weight loss procedures that will change your life. The first step toward finding the best bariatric surgeon for you is an initial consultation. Check out "Our Team" and make an appointment today.